Taxes and Social Contributions for Companies in Varna
Bulgaria's Tax Environment
Bulgaria offers one of the lowest tax rates in the EU, making it attractive for business. For companies in Varna tax obligations are administered by the NRA office in Varna Region.
Varna is the maritime capital of Bulgaria, with a developed tourism, logistics and IT sector, with many companies benefiting from the competitive tax environment.
Business Environment in Varna
Varna (approximately 340,000 residents) is the maritime capital of Bulgaria, with a developed tourism, logistics and IT sector. The city has over 40,000 registered companies, making it an active business centre.
Key Industries:
- Maritime Transport & Logistics
- Tourism & Hospitality
- IT Services
- Trade
Office Rents: Average office rents in Varna are β¬5β14/sq.m., which is competitive compared to other cities in the region.
Bank Branches: UBB, DSK Bank and UniCredit Bulbank have branches on Knyaz Boris I Blvd., Slivnitsa Blvd. and in the Primorski district.
Notary Offices: Notary offices are concentrated around Nezavisimost Square, Maria Louisa Blvd. and the Odesos district.
Corporate Tax
Bulgaria's corporate income tax rate is 10% β one of the lowest in the European Union.
| Tax | Rate | When? |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate income tax | 10% | Annually, by 30 June |
| Dividend tax | 5% | Upon dividend distribution |
| VAT | 20% | Monthly (if VAT-registered) |
| Withholding tax | 10% | On payments to non-residents |
Tax Obligations
Key tax deadlines for companies in Varna:
- Annual tax return β by 30 June of the following year
- Advance payments β if net revenue exceeds ~β¬153,000
- VAT return β by the 14th of the following month (if VAT-registered)
- Social security declarations β by the 25th of the following month
- Annual financial statements β filed with the CR by 30 June
Tax Optimisation Tips
Legal ways to optimise the tax burden for companies in Varna:
- Deductible expenses β rent, utilities, company vehicles, business travel
- Depreciation β of fixed assets
- Voluntary pension contributions β up to 10% of the tax base
- Choosing the right insurable income β when self-insured
π€ Social Security Contributions
Social security contributions in Bulgaria are split between the employer and the employee:
For companies in Varna contributions are paid electronically through the NRA portal.